Online draw of lots for Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims begins

New Delhi: The process for the selection of pilgrims for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2016 through computerised draw of lots started on Friday.

Union minister Gen (retd) V K Singh, who began the process, said that after the computerised draw of lots, the selected ones will be informed through SMS and email.

"We will not select the names, the computer will do it. It is the endeavour of the Ministry of External Affairs to do every work with transparency. We have done a similar thing for Haj and our efforts are to provide better amenities to pilgrims," the Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, said.

The four-month travel period to Kailash Manasarovar Yatra starts from June.

Pradeep Rawat, Joint Secretary (East) in the ministry said they had received 2,600 applications this year, of which 2,400 were found in order. The list also has 87 doctors.

Eighteen batches of 60 pilgrims will take the Lipulekh Pass route while seven batches comprising 50 pilgrims will take the Nathu La route. The former is known to be more arduous.

"Once the list is generated and locked in the computer, it cannot be changed. We have added certain new features this year under which pilgrims can give us suggestions online. This will help in addressing the issue at a faster pace," Rawat said.

After the draw of lots, the pilgrims can seek changes in their batch by sending their request online or by calling the designated number. He said the ministry is working with the governments of Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarkhand on the matter.